Chicago Divorce Attorneys Devoted to Protecting Women and Mothers

For many women, divorce is about much more than ending a marriage. It can mean confronting financial dependence, protecting time with your children, rebuilding your sense of identity, or standing up for yourself after years of putting everyone else’s needs first. The stress of the legal process is often compounded by expectations, stereotypes, and judgments that have weighed on women for decades.

The Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group was created in response to these challenges. We saw a need for a law firm focused entirely on women and mothers, one that understood their concerns were not secondary issues but central to the case itself. Our attorneys have represented thousands of women throughout Chicagoland in divorce and family law matters, helping them address complex legal issues while never losing sight of the personal realities that brought them through our doors. We’re ready to help you, too.

Empowering Every Woman

Women come to our family law firm from all walks of life and with a wide range of concerns. We regularly work with:

• Women thinking about divorce who wonder about the future of their home, finances, and children. They may also have questions about support or the court process.
• Women ready to file for divorce who want to move forward but need guidance on the paperwork, how to serve their spouse, and what to expect once the case begins.
• Mothers getting divorced who need to determine where the children will live, how to structure parenting time, who will make major decisions, and how child support works.
• Women leaving unsafe or high-conflict marriages who face safety concerns, need protective orders, have emergency court issues, or have a spouse who is making the process difficult.
• Working women with higher incomes, business interests, professional practices, bonuses, or other assets who need to understand how these factors affect property division, custody, and support.

We recognize that you’re going into a divorce with a lot of troubles that men may not experience to the same degree. We can offer clarity.

What Do Women Need to Know About Divorce in Illinois?

Illinois Divorce Requirements

Illinois operates under a no-fault divorce system. You cannot cite fault or wrongdoing by your spouse as grounds for divorce. The only recognized grounds are “irreconcilable differences,” meaning the marriage has broken down beyond repair and reconciliation is not possible or practical.

To file for divorce in Illinois:

• Either you or your spouse must have been an Illinois resident for 90 consecutive days before filing (or stationed in Illinois as a military member for 90 days).
• Couples must live separately for at least six months before a final divorce judgment can be entered. This timeframe was reduced from the previous two-year requirement.

The no-fault approach streamlines the process, but it does not eliminate the work involved.

Issues You Will Need to Address

Divorce requires women to make critical decisions that will have long-term effects on their lives and their children’s lives. Here is what you will need to work through:

• Property Division: Identifying what qualifies as marital property versus separate property, including real estate, investments, and retirement accounts.
• Child Custody and Child Support: Creating custody and support arrangements that protect your children’s best interests and your parental rights.
• Spousal Support: Evaluating financial needs and contributions to the marriage to determine fair support.
• Healthcare and Insurance: Planning for ongoing coverage for you and your children after the divorce is finalized.
• Debt Allocation: Making sure debts are divided fairly so you are not left carrying obligations that are not yours to bear.

Each of these decisions will shape your life after divorce. Having experienced legal guidance on your side matters.

How Your Divorce Experience Will Be Different

Just because you follow the same legal process as your spouse does not mean your experience will be the same. The law is gender neutral, but life is not. Here’s what you need to be prepared for:

1. Financial Challenges

If you earn less than your partner, or if you stepped away from the workforce to raise children, you may need to think strongly about how to maintain your standard of living. The absence of a steady income or career disruptions can leave you feeling financially exposed as you work to rebuild your life.

2. Maternal Responsibilities

Divorce can be very hard on children. As a mother, you may find that much of the responsibility for your children’s well-being falls on you during the legal process. This can include addressing their concerns, securing temporary housing, and maintaining stability during the transition.

3. Social Stigma and Judgment

If you initiated the divorce, you might face more societal judgment than a man would. There is still pressure for women to “hold the family together.” This stigma can lead to guilt or isolation, making an already difficult process more challenging.

Why Choose the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group?

At the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group, advocating for women is not one part of what we do. It is the entire reason we built our practice. Here is why you should work with us:

• We Were the First: We are the first law firm in the Chicagoland area to focus exclusively on women’s and mothers’ rights in divorce and family law. Our entire practice is built around understanding what women face.
• We Are Recognized for Excellence: Our firm has earned Super Lawyers honors every year from 2016 through 2025, been named a Top 10 Best Family Law Firm by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, and been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine and ELLE Magazine.
• We Are Highly Responsive: We know that questions and concerns do not follow a nine-to-five schedule. Our team is attentive and communicates clearly throughout your case.
• We Adapt Our Approach to Your Goals: Every situation is different. We can pursue an amicable resolution through uncontested divorce or mediation, or we can take your case to litigation if that is what your circumstances require.
• We Are Accessible: With offices in Chicago, Lake Forest, and Lisle, Illinois, we are conveniently located across the region to serve you.

Take Charge of Your Divorce

Every woman and mother deserves the right to end a marriage that no longer serves her well-being or her family’s future. At the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group, we stand with you, fighting for your rights, your security, and your peace of mind. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.